Pittsfield Township firefighters will be able to upgrade their gear thanks to a federal grant, officials announced recently in a press release.

For the second consecutive year, the Pittsfield Township Fire Department has received a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. The $257,000 grant is part of FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, according to the release.

Municipalities from across the region -- including Pittsfield, Ann Arbor, Augusta, Superior and Ypsilanti townships, as well as the city of Ypsilanti -- participated in the grant submissions.

"Pittsfield Township’s commitment to regional initiatives continues to bear fruit and prove beneficial for residents in Pittsfield and Washtenaw County," said Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal in the release. "Pittsfield Township greatly values its outstanding firefighters and is committed to leading and partnering with others in the region to ensure the safety of all."

Director of Public Safety Matthew Harshberger said the grant will allow firefighters to upgrade outdated turnout gear which includes pants, jackets, boots, helmets, gloves and flame resistant hoods.

"(These) are critically important to ensuring the safety of our firefighters as they conduct operations in fire and smoke-filled environments to save lives,” Harshberger said.

John Counts covers crime and breaking news for The Ann Arbor News. He can be reached at johncounts@mlive.com or you can follow him on Twitter. Find all Washtenaw County crime stories here.